Welcoming the continent’s best judoka to Nairobi is no small task. Organising a championship of this scale requires co-ordination, commitment and resilience at every level. Yet for Shadrack Kitili Maluki, the challenge is matched by the significance of the occasion.
“For Kenya, being given the opportunity to host an African championship like this is both a great honour and a great responsibility,” he explains. “What is certain is that it offers us an incredible chance to shape the future development of judo in our country and across the region.”
Beyond the medals and rankings, the impact of such an event is deeply rooted in inspiration. Over three days of competition, young Kenyan athletes are exposed to the highest level of performance, many for the very first time. To witness elite competition up close, to feel its intensity and to understand its demands, is an experience that cannot be replicated.
“For many of our young people, this is the first time they can see such an event with their own eyes and live it from the inside. It is a fantastic marketing tool for sport and for judo in particular.”
The benefits extend far beyond the competition itself. Hosting the championships creates momentum, providing the federation with new tools and renewed energy to expand its programmes. From schools to universities, from grassroots initiatives to elite pathways, the ambition is clear: to build a sustainable and inclusive future for judo in Kenya.
Following the event, the focus will turn towards strengthening development structures, particularly in education. By integrating judo more deeply into school systems and community programmes, the federation aims to ensure long-term growth and accessibility for the next generation.
Shadrack Kitili Maluki's role extends even further. Appointed president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya six months ago, he sees this championship as an opportunity to elevate the place of judo within the broader sporting landscape. “I am equally proud to host the African Judo Championships in this capacity. It allows us to do even more for a sport that our society truly needs.”
This vision has been strongly supported at the highest level. The Kenyan government has played a key role in ensuring that the event meets international standards, providing both financial and logistical backing. “The government understood the importance of this event. They have made a significant effort and all participants can see the quality of the organisation. We have been truly supported and I would like to thank them warmly for that.”
Naturally, such success inspires ambition. As the championships unfold in Nairobi, the desire to build on this achievement is already taking shape. “It makes me want, from the bottom of my heart, to organise more events of this level and even beyond,” Shadrack Kitili Maluki concludes.
In Kenya, this championship is more than a competition. It is a statement of intent, a commitment to growth, to opportunity and to a future where judo continues to inspire and unite.
Photos © AJU